ZIMBABWE FAILING TO HALT HEALTHCARE 'BRAIN DRAIN'

December 21, 2005

The fallout from Zimbabwe's recent Health Budget continues, with
industry observers claiming that the government is doing little to address the
migration of skilled health personnel. Health was allocated ZWD5.2trn (US$688.58mn)
in 2006, roughly 12% of the total budget.

However, Zimbabwe's Health Services Board (HSB) -- which is tasked with
improving salaries and working conditions for health personnel -- has only
received funding of ZWD2bn (US$25,140) out of a requested figure of ZWB20bn
(US$377,068). Market sources claim that the failure of the government to fund
the agency adequately will accelerate the flight of medical workers, who are
leaving the country in record numbers in search of better pay and working conditions
abroad.

The problem has been exacerbated by rampant inflation, which has further eroded
salaries. Public sector workers are threatening strikes in the new year. Some
legislators are calling for a salary adjustment of at least 500% this year in
order to offset economic hardship. However, Zimbabwe's already chronically under-funded
government has called for all ministries to maintain strict budgetary targets.